British Columbia
Set between the Pacific Ocean in the west
and the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the
east, British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province. Blessed with breathtaking
landscapes, BC is home to a geographical
diversity that lends itself to a vast array of
activities and adventures. There are mountains to climb, rivers to run, beaches to comb,
forests to hike, parks to stroll and warm summer lakes to laze about on.
While natural resources such as fish, minerals, hydroelectricity and timber have always
been the backbone of BC's economy, newer
industries such as eco-tourism, agri-tourism,
film and high tech have become important
economic drivers over the last decade. The
province generally enjoys a temperate climate but where there are mountains, there
is snow.
BC offers not just outdoor adventure but
cosmopolitan culture, world class exhibitions, uptown shopping and fabulous dining.
From sophisticated cities to breathtaking
scenery, there is something for everyone in
BC. Book the perfect BC holiday and experience BC's breathtaking scenery and exciting
cities and resorts. Enjoy five-star hotels and
resorts, backcountry cabins, ranches, campsites, inns or B&Bs and all accommodations
in between.
For more information, visit www.hellobc.com.
British Columbia is divided into the following six touring regions:
* Vancouver Island, Victoria and the Gulf
Islands: The islands are a haven for those
interested in marine life. Visitors can charter a boat, rent kayaks, go surfing or just
relax on the beaches. On Vancouver Island,
those visiting the city of Victoria can enjoy
the area's rich history, filled with turn-ofthe-century architecture and cobblestone
streets. The golf pro will also enjoy more
than 40 courses, including more than a
dozen championship courses.
* Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Vancouver
features fabulous shopping, art displays,
festivals and activities. It is also close to
nature, as well as to fishing villages and
artistic communities. Just half an hour
from the city is the Sea to Sky Highway
99-known as one of the world's most scenic drives. Two hours north of Vancouver is
the four season alpine resort of Whistler
Blackcomb, voted North America's numberone ski resort.
* Thompson Okanagan: This area flourishes with vineyards, fruit trees and berry
The 2017 Canadian Tour Planner & Operator Guide
Festivals and Events
The following are a few of the festivals and
events that take place in British Columbia
and the months during which they generally
take place. For an updated list of festivals
and events and their specific dates, visit
www.hellobc.com/events.
Bard on the Beach
June-September
Vanier Park, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 739-0559
Toll free: (877) 739-0559
www.bardonthebeach.org
Western Canada's largest professional
Shakespeare festival, Bard on the Beach
runs in open-ended tents on the waterfront
against a spectacular backdrop of
mountains, sea and sky.
Night Illumination at the Butchart Gardens
June 15-September 15
Victoria
Phone: (250) 652-4422
Toll free: (866) 652-4422
www.butchartgardens.com
Enjoy an evening stroll as thousands of lights
in dozens of hues dramatically light The
Gardens-one of the largest underground
wiring installations of its kind in North America.
In the summer on Saturdays, the night sky
above Butchart Gardens is also illuminated
with a display of fireworks set to music.
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BRITISH COLUMBIA
Regions
bushes. Visitors can enjoy an up-close
look at the fascinating process of wine
making at one of the area's fine wineries.
Thompson Okanagan is also home to
some of Canada's finest golf courses, with
more than 50 in total.
* Kootenay Rockies: This region is known for
its natural mineral hot springs and parks.
There are more than 75 provincial and
national parks in the area-each a protected
wilderness area. Perhaps the most impressive is Yoho National Park with 28 mountain
peaks over 3,000 metres in height.
* Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: This area features guest ranches for the aspiring cowpoke, each ranging in character from rustic
charm to a deluxe spa experience. Visitors
can relive the Gold Rush days of the late
1800s by panning for gold in Barkerville,
or experience the thrill of riding the whitewaters of the Chilko, Chilcotin or Fraser
rivers. The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast boasts
thousands of lakes and thousands of kilometers of rivers, streams and coastline.
* Northern BC: This is the perfect destination for the nature enthusiast, including Haida Gwaii and the Rocky Mountain
Foothills. In the Northern Rockies, the
Muskwa-Kechika Management Area is
known as the "Serengeti of the North"
because of its wildlife diversity and ecosystems. For the history and art lover, cedar
totems carved centuries ago are visible in
Aboriginal villages.

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